Good Lifestyle

If there's one group of people who are privy to the best bepergian hacks above all others, it has to be flight attendants. Not only do these professionals spend an average of 75 to 100 hours a month in the sky, but they've expertly penuh sesak a suitcase more times than you can fathom, weaved their way through countless terminals, and know the intricate ins and outs of any airplane. So, they know a thing or two about traveling well, inexpensively, and comfortably.

If you're looking to book tickets, board a plane, or navigate any new destination like a pro, here are the best secret travel hacks from four real flight attendants who have made jet-setting their careers… and way of life.

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"Tightly rolling your clothes increases the amount of space left in your roller bag, making room for bulkier items such as hair styling tools, jackets, and shoes," says Triniese Thomas, a flight attendant for Frontier Airlines based in Orlando, Fla. "This tip works even better when you plan most of your outfits ahead of time before rolling them into the bag."

As a bonus, rolling your clothes reduces wrinkling and helps keep everything neat, compact, and easily identifiable.

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Raise your hand if you've ever had to make some hard choices when repacking your bags after buying one too many souvenirs. Nicole Padellaro, a flight attendant for a major U.S. airline who's based in Boston, Mass, says one of her best travel hacks is to pack a few older items that are on the brink of being retired from your closet.

"By ditching some clothing and accessories along the way, it'll open up the space in your luggage to bring home new goodies from your travels," she says. "[Plus], you can beat up some older items while doing activities along your travels and then you don't have to worry about packing the dirty items to bring home."

Add a lightweight, but durable bag (think: a cloth tote or a reusable shopping bag) to your packing list and bring it with you every time you travel, says Michelle Lee, a Phoenix-based flight attendant who works for a U.S.-based airline.

It will come in handy once you're exploring your new destination. "You can use it to carry souvenirs, groceries, water, food, and an extra layer of clothes and necessities for the day," says Lee.

Being 30,000 miles in the sky with a grumbling tummy is the worst. And with reduced staffing at airlines, you can expect longer wait times at airport eateries and convenience stores.

Packing your own food in a small, collapsible lunch box spares you the headache of rushing around to get a bite to eat and saves you money, too. Plus, you can bring your own water bottle… as long as it's frozen.

"A frozen water bottle can be brought through security and keeps your food cool all day," says Pedallaro. "As it starts to melt, you can drink the water." It also allows you to pack a greater variety of foods, including those that taste better when kept cool.

The thought of downloading yet another app might induce a few sighs, but having the airline's app on your phone is a must.

"With the advancement of technology and app use, airlines have really stepped up with what they're offering travelers," notes Padellaro. "Checking in, tracking your bags along your journey, having onboard entertainment and Wi-Fi—and gosh forbid, the need to rebook a flight—can easily be at your fingertips at any given moment with the app."

Many apps also keep you updated on current COVID protocols for airlines, airports, and destinations.

TERKAIT:United and American Are Now Making Passengers Do This for Certain Flights.

If you're not checking a bag, one way to bring a few more items with you to your destination is to wear a variety of layers on the plane. Do this within reason, of course—you want to be comfortable on your journey and not look totally ridiculous.

"The heavier outer jacket can be held. Wear your tank top, shirt, and sweatshirt or sweater, plus the bulkiest of your shoes," says Lee. "You might be a little warm through the airport, but once onboard, you can take them off. This will allow a couple of extra days of clothes in your carry-on."

"Minum teh herbal adalah cara terbaik untuk mendekompresi selama penerbangan Anda, terutama setelah perjalanan melelahkan melalui bandara," kata Thomas. "Mereka biasanya tidak kafein, membantu mengurangi kecemasan, dan memberikan hidrasi."

Sebagian besar maskapai tidak akan memiliki variasi yang bagus selama layanan minuman, dan itu adalah barang yang cukup kecil sehingga Anda dapat mengemas ke dalam ransel atau bahkan saku Anda. Tanyakan kepada pramugari Anda untuk secangkir air panas.

Salah satu cara tercepat untuk mendapatkan sisi baik dari pramugari Anda adalah dengan membawakan mereka tas yang bagus. Itu tidak harus menjadi isyarat besar - catatan terima kasih cepat dan barang kecil (seperti lip balm, lotion tangan, cokelat, kartu hadiah kopi $ 5, atau topeng wajah) dengan tepat menyampaikan rasa terima kasih Anda.AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

"Sentimen kecil ini sangat berarti, dan Anda akan mendapatkan perawatan yang lebih disukai - bahkan ketika berada di pelatih," kata Lee. "[Itu mungkin termasuk] koktail selamat datang di tanah, tas gratis darikelas utama, dan banyak terima kasih dari pramugari. Pastikan untuk meneliti ukuran pesawat dan jumlah pelayan dan pilot. "

Mikey Tongko, seorang pramugari yang berbasis di Los Angeles untukAlaska Airlines, mengatakan bahwa tidak semua pesawat terbang dilengkapi dengan sistem hiburan dalam, meskipun banyak pesawat terbang memungkinkan Anda untuk melakukan streaming hiburan secara gratis di perangkat Anda sendiri. Masalahnya adalah bahwa beberapa penemuan memiliki fitur yang tidak mematuhi peraturan saat ini.

"Sayangnya, kami melihat banyak pelancong membawa pemegang telepon atau tablet yang menempel atau mengacaukan bagian pesawat - seperti meja baki - yang tidak diizinkan berdasarkan peraturan FAA," jelas Tongko. "Jangan kaget ketika pramugari meminta Anda untuk menyimpannya." Sebagai tambahan, banyak tabel baki maskapai memiliki fitur bawaan yang memungkinkan Anda untuk menopang perangkat Anda dengan mudah.

TERKAIT:Jangan lupa melakukan ini setelah tanah penerbangan Anda, pramugari memperingatkan.